Parents face fines for taking children out of school for holidays

Blaenau Gwent Council announced this week it will take a hard line approach to children being removed from class when the new term starts

Parents who take their children on holiday during school term-time are facing fines

Parents who take their children on holiday during school term-time are facing a fine from this September.

Blaenau Gwent Council announced this week it will take a hard line approach to children being removed from class when the new term starts.

Head teachers across the area will be told not to authorise holiday requests, and fines will be handed out for unauthorised absences.

Education bosses announced the plans after research found a strong link between high attendance and strong exam results.

But parents have labelled the move “unfair” and believe it will price families out of being able to go on holiday.

A statement from Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council said: “We would like to take this opportunity to make parents aware that fixed penalty notices will be issued from September 2013. The protocol is currently being drafted but fixed penalty notices may be issued for unauthorised absence, children stopped during truancy patrols and holidays during term-time.”

Natasha Jarrett, who lives on Brynhyfryd Terrace in Brynithel, has three children aged 12, seven and two.

She said: “I think it’s a bit unfair really because holidays are so expensive during half-term.

“Either travel agents need to lower their prices or parents are going to be penalised.

“I’ve got three children so there’s no way we could afford to go away during the school holidays.

“In the past I’ve taken my children out of school to go on holiday, and I think in future I would rather pay the fine and still do the same.

“I don’t think this will solve the problem because it will still be cheaper to do it that way.”

Lee Parsons has a four-year-old daughter at St Illtyd Primary School.

He said: “There could be problems if holidays have already been booked for next year.

“I do think children should be in school during term time, but it’s not always that easy.

“The prices for holidays are so much higher during the holidays, and with austerity being the big word at the moment people are always looking for a bargain.”

In its statement, Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council also congratulated pupils who improved their attendance during the 2012-13 academic year, especially those who managed to achieve 100% attendance.

The statement added: “We would like to remind both pupils and parents that there is a strong link between attendance rates and examination success.

“Research shows that missing just 17 days of school a year (an attendance rate of 91%) can result in a drop of a GCSE grade across all subjects.

“Given the strong link between attendance and attainment, we have reviewed the impact of holidays taken in term-time.

“From September 2013 we are now asking head teachers not to authorise requests for a holiday in term-time.

“Blaenau Gwent schools are open to pupils on 190 days of the year, which leaves another 175 days for holidays and visiting family.

“The policy on extended holidays has now been withdrawn and families are requested to make arrangements to take these in the six-week break in July and August in order to help schools to support your child in achieving success.

“Regular attendance is important, not just because the law requires it, but also because it is the best way of ensuring children get the most out of school.

“You need to make sure that your child attends every day and is on time.

“If your child is absent for any reason, please contact the school to explain the absence.

“Every school has an allocated education welfare officer who will help and support you with any difficulties you may have with your child’s attendance at school. Education welfare officers are also available throughout the school holidays so you can discuss any concerns you may have relating to your child’s school attendance.”

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